Durham families mark 19 years since six teens disappeared in Pickering

Families ask for DNA test on human remains found near Niagara River

Lost Boys anniversary

Torstar file photo

PICKERING -- Amanda Boyle, sister of Jay Boyle, is third from left in this 1995 photo taken a few days after six teens vanished on Lake Ontario from this spot at Frenchman's Bay on March 17. The young people pictured on the stony shore are friends and relatives of the missing boys. Amanda was just 15 when her brother went missing. March 19, 2014.

Lost Boys

Torstar file photo

PICKERING -- Family members released balloons on March 17, 1996 at the foot of Liverpool Road during a first-anniversary vigil for six teenagers who disappeared after taking boats on to Lake Ontario. It's been 19 years since the teenagers, dubbed the Lost Boys, disappeared and their families have renewed hope they may get some answers in the case. March 19, 2014.

The Lost Boys: 18 years and no closure for six that went missing on Lake Ontario

JEFF GREEN / TORONTO STAR

DURHAM -- It's been 18 years since six teens disappeared after a joy-ride on Lake Ontario. Despite a massive search, their bodies and boat were never found, and it took years for the families to accept that their brothers and sons were dead. Every year a quiet memorial assembles to remember them. Sunday, March 17, 2013

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Dubbed the Lost Boys, the six teens vanished March 17, 1995 after a security camera caught three of them breaking into the East Shore Marina on Frenchman’s Bay in the wee hours of the morning. It’s believed the boys stole two boats and went for an ill-fated ride on the dark and frigid waters of Lake Ontario.

A massive search for the boys turned up no sign of them, and all that was ever found was a gas can near Wilson, New York which had been stowed on one of the stolen boats.

“We do our usual thing, we go down to the beach, we bring balloons, we write messages for the boys, we bring flowers,” said Amanda Boyle, Jay’s sister.

The families usually share memories of the teens with each other, but this year was different as the discussion centred on a possible lead in the case.

Ms. Boyle said in October, the family became aware that human remains found near the Niagara River in 1998 were wearing a pair of red jeans like the ones her brother was wearing when he disappeared. Another set of human remains was found nearby.

The families have asked Niagara police to conduct a DNA test, but so far police have declined to do so, citing costs and because they don’t believe it could be the boys, given the currents in the area.

Ms. Boyle said her family is willing to pay for the cost of the test and they have created an online petition asking for it. It has already garnered more than 4,500 signatures.

“You don’t know whether it’s just you wanting it to be him, wanting closure, but there are too many similarities ... if it turns out it’s not him, then we go back to wondering,” said Ms. Boyle, adding that the other set of remains could be one of the other boys.

Meanwhile, Jay’s daughter Kierra is closing in on her 20th birthday. She joined Ms. Boyle to mark her father’s disappearance. Just three months old in March 1995, Kierra has had to learn about her father through his family.

“On her 16th birthday we gave her stuff that was his, we gave her letters he wrote to her mom,” said Ms. Boyle. For the first time in 16 years, Jay’s mother also went to Frenchman’s Bay.

“She came because she wanted to be there for me and my sisters and more or less she had a little bit of hope that we’re finally going to bring him home,” said Ms. Boyle.